In the state of Florida, lawmakers, judges, and citizens are fighting and debating over whether the use of smokable medical marijuana is a right that should be given to patients needing it. In June of 2017, Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill that made the use of smokable medical marijuana illegal, which angered many citizens and contradicted what the voters in November 2016 chose. The Leon County circuit court Judge Karen Gievers wrote a 4-page ruling which detailed why medical marijuana should be legalized, which mentioned the health risks and harm that could be done to 2 ill patients, Cathy Jordan and Diana Dodson, which have both filed a lawsuit against the Gov. Scott. Regardless if the lawsuit is successful and Scott’s ruling is overturned, the Health Department estimates that it would take months to be able to distribute medical marijuana again, as the state would need to approve of distribution centers, hire certified doctors, and distribute ID cards to patients in need. 

While the article’s summary doesn’t affect me personally, I can see why this is such an important topic to discussed as it can potentially save hundreds and possibly thousands of lives of suffering patients around the world. As of June 1st, 2018, the state of Florida had reported 117,522 patients and 2,644 doctors. Over 94,000 of those patients had already received their ID cards that granted them access to medical marijuana. One thing that I did want to clear up is the reasoning for Gov. Scott’s decision, even after being presented with evidence that the use of marijuana for medical purpose works and can save people from suffering. Florida is a very big and powerful state, and I think that if such an influential state can take a step forward in progress for the use of medical marijuana, it can lead to many other states following in the same footsteps. 

One thing I find interesting about this article is the fact that they called for a revolt against, as New York Times puts it, “President Trump and right wing extremism”, which is odd as President Trump’s views and those of his supporters can be described as centrism with right wing leaning, nowhere near extremism. Maybe if they were speaking about Mike Pence it would make sense, as he is very far right, but i just don’t see why they see him as an extremist. Either way, the reactions to his victories over middle class, white suburbia seem very panicky and rushed, as if they’re losing power in middle America and are trying to gain it back as soon as they can.